Sask. Gov. passes employment standards amendments

A series of amendments have been made to The Saskatchewan Employment Act recently and will come into effect later this fiscal year. The Government of Saskatchewan indicated that the amendments will better serve both employers seeking to maintain or grow their businesses in the province and their employees.

"Our labour legislation supports a growing economy and protects the rights of employees," Deputy Premier and Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Jim Reiter said in the announcement.

"We are committed to delivering a fair and balanced working environment through modern legislation to attract investment and ensure Saskatchewan continues to be a great place to work."

The amendments include:

• Allowing employers and employees to use a calendar day rather than 24 consecutive hours for the purposes of work schedules and overtime provisions;
• Prohibiting employers from withholding tips from their employees;
• Increasing the threshold when employers are required to notify employees, the minister and the union of a group termination from 10 employees to 25 employees; 
• Limiting when employers can request sick notes;
• Providing the director of employment standards with the authority to order reinstatement and compensation for lost wages in cases of discriminatory action by an employer; and
• Extending various leave provisions.